Characteristics of Temperament - Please Share. This week is "Intensity"

[Judy Arnall]

There are eight characteristics of Temperament that range on a continuum from Easy Going (40% of all children) to High Need/Spirited (15% of all children) with Slow-to-Warm in the middle (30% of all children).

Each week, we will explore the benefits and challenges of each one. Sometimes we need to see that not always is the grass greener on the other side. Of my five children, two are moderately spirited, one is easy-going, one is extremely spirited (my last one) and one is slow-to-warm. This is a eye-opening exercize that we do in classes and thought it would be great to get a wider range of opinions. Please contribute what you see/observe in your children. Thank you from Judy

Intensity Level

What do you experience as challenges in parenting a highly intense (spirited) child?

What do you see as benefits in parenting a highly intense(spirited) child?

What do you see as challenges in parenting a low intensity child?

What do you see as benefits in parenting a low intensity child?

[Judy Arnall]

Here are some responses from parents in my attachment parenting groups:

Intensity Level

What do you experience as challenges in parenting a highly intense (spirited) child?

Child may have a narrow view and too focussed on micro details.  The child may have lack of perspective, and may be volitile and find it hard to keep their cool.  Difficulty with emotional regulation.

What do you see as benefits in parenting a highly intense(spirited) child?

The child can be very focussed, passionate, and make great advocators, and leaders.

What do you see as challenges in parenting a low intensity child?

It may be hard to engage the child and they are often misunderstood as not interested in things when they are.

What do you see as benefits in parenting a low intensity child?

The child is easy to pull away from things and gets over disappointments fast.  They can manage their anger easier and are calmer in crisis situations.